The Project

JUST PEOPLE

Photographer Cornelia Schmidt portrays stories in her project “Just People” about everyday people. They are all naked as far as not wearing clothing, but their passions are shinning strongly through imagery. Cornelia’s keywords are: humour, respect and incredible beautiful. The texts and photographs complement each other in telling a story about the magic of the individual, at the same time as they leave a lot of space for the viewer’s reflections.

Why naked?
Society judges us before we open our mouths by what clothing we are wearing. It is easy to make conclusions about someone seeing their clothing and accessories. Without the clothing distracting the viewer, Cornelia can go deeper and portray their story. Each person decides how much of their body they feel comfortable showing and Cornelia adjusts the poses after their wishes.

A documentary about our times
The project will serve as a documentation of our lives today. Nowadays people have tattoos, solid bodies that have spent many hours at a gym or large bodies that wouldn’t go near a gym. They have colourful hairstyles, certain accessories and icons in their lives. These stories from people from all over the world with different skin colours and different cultures tell us stories about how people today live, what they feel and what values they have. Some stories portray an overwhelming emotion, like sadness and longing. Others portray a strong personal trait or passion, like music or chocolate.

Cornelia humbly sees the individual and works with a complete respect for the person she is shooting. Then in her humorous and daring way she collaborates with the person and they compose an interpretation that honestly portrays the special and unique essence of the individual. Cornelia’s passion for this project will give the book energy and a life of its own.

Just People is an original concept by Cornelia Schmidt. Presented below you will find some photos from this photo project. If you are interested in arranging an exhibition or to book photographer Cornelia Schmidt with this concept please let us know by sending us a message.

Dreams come true

A better life

Ego amo me

Enjoy the ball

It's easy!

It's only skin deep

Sails of dreams

The key to possibility

Dreams come true

Some of my childhood memories are dark; about being an outsider, about loneliness and shame. What I remember the clearest, however, is the rhythm of horse hooves in my heart, soul, and legs. Invisible horses have carried me through life as if they were real and not just an impossible dream. With persistence and faith in life, I have achieved my dream. The horse in the picture is not just a horse but my horse. He symbolizes living life to the hilt, courage, strength, and dreams that come true. Annkin - Sweden

A better life

Imagine if I had carried out my plans to immigrate to Canada when I was 16 years old, what would my life had been like? I've always been a seeker and adventurer who has dared to jump on everything - sailor, boatbuilder, actor, extra, and security guard. A good life, but I can't shake thoughts about Canada. Sven-Erik, Sweden

Ego amo me

Beauty is in the eyes and heart of the observer. Love who you are - nobody else is like you. If you are fine with your own body and your own soul, you will also feel better around others. Since I have learned to love myself, I have loved to live more every second of every day. There is no good way of living or bad way of living; there is only living with your eyes and your heart. Claudia - Italy

Enjoy the ball

Basket is amazing fun! To get some sports done meanwhile, is just a bonus! Enjoy the ball - for me it's pure joy to play basket, It's like dancing at the bal with my passion, the basket boll. There isn't a more beautiful thing then the naked human body. I do hope, that others can believe in themselves, accept the own body and the abilities we have.
I urge you to search and try to find your interest, your passion in life. Maria - Sweden

It's easy!

It's only skin deep

A few months ago, my husband went out to pick up a package. Our daughter slept in a shawl wrapped around him like a sling. When he came out, an elderly woman was standing there. She looked, sniffed, and said, ”Poor child, growing up with a father like you.”
Our appearance says nothing about our parenting abilities.
We want to give our children all the intimacy, security, and love they need to become strong individuals who dare to be themselves. We hope that they will grow up to be critically thinking beings, and, if necessary, that they will stand up for themselves and for others, even if that means standing alone.
Eddie, Caja, Carla, Spartacus - Sweden

Sails of dreams

I love to dream. For this reason, I allow these sails to take me wherever the wind blows. They are to take me to places I've had in my dreams, and maybe beyond there. I'm going to allow them to take me to new dreams and new adventures. Along the way, I'll meet weather, people and the great outdoors. I don't mind being frightened. In my dreams, I have companionship, and we live, dream, watch and experience everything together. May these dreams never come to and end. May they never stop.
Kristian - Ireland/Sweden

The key to possibility

Everything starts with something small: perhaps only the urge to express a feeling. This urge is necessary in the process of creatinga situation, or an object. We should safeguard the energy that pollinates potential. It may not be eternal but is is holy: the key to possibility.
Magnus - Sweden